The American Kennel Club ranks the Havanese dog as the 24th most popular breed in America.
It is a medium-sized dog with floppy ears, shaggy coats, and a docile and adorable demeanor.
However, before you get any dog, consider various factors.
One of the common factors people look at is if a dog breed is suitable for people with allergies.
The Havanese breed is hypoallergenic as they shed little fur.
In this article, we will help you understand more about dog allergies, hypoallergenic breeds, and why the Havanese dog is hypoallergenic.
What Is the Meaning of Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic is a term that shows that a particular saying has low chances of triggering an allergic reaction.
The term came from the cosmetic industry in the 1950s.
Nowadays, people use the term to describe various things, including food items, cosmetic products, and dog breeds.
What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?
People often use hypoallergenic dogs to refer to dogs braids that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction and the owner.
However, according to the American Kennel Club, no breed of dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
There are only dog breeds that do well for individuals with allergies.
Such breeds have a non-shedding and predictable coat which makes them less risky to people with injuries.
There is a high demand for hypoallergenic dogs.
According to the American Academy of allergy asthma and immunology, at least 60% of American households have pets.
Further research suggests that at least 10% of the U.S. population suffers from dog and cat allergies.
Therefore, millions of Americans suffer from dog and pet allergies.
What Makes People Allergic to Dogs?
Several factors can trigger dog allergies in people.
Most people think that dog hair is usually the biggest problem.
They also assume that is why dogs that shed little hair are popular.
Dog hair can trigger allergies but this isn’t usually the key problem.
According to the American Lung Association, pet dander comprises small microscopic skin flakes that dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and other animals with feathers or fur shed.
These flakes of skin trigger allergic reactions.
A breed like the Chinese Crested dog secretes under that you can easily wipe or wash away.
Saliva and urine are also common allergens that excellently coil an allergic reaction.
Your dog could also pick up environmental allergens such as pollen.
You can remove pollen allergies by brushing your dog’s coat before entering the house after a walk or hike.
Pets allergens can attach to various places because they are minimal and lightweight.
The allergens can easily stick on fabric, beddings, furniture, and other items inside and outside your home.
You can even find pet allergens like dander in buildings and homes without pets.
What Are the Symptoms of Allergies to Dogs?
People with dog allergies or asthma experience various reactions if they encounter allergens.
One of the most common allergic experiences includes fast respiratory symptoms or a decline in lung function.
Also, the concentration of an allergen that can trigger a reaction varies with the individual.
If you have a dog allergy, you could experience upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms.
These include:
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Wheezing
You can also experience symptoms such as:
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Eczema
- Rashes
- Facial pain because of nasal congestion
You may show other symptoms of allergies.
Therefore, it is important to talk to a doctor if you have concerns about allergies to dogs.
Are Havanese Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Yes, you can say Havanese dogs are hypoallergenic because they have a low risk of causing allergic reactions.
However, you do not have a full guarantee that the dog will not trigger your allergic reaction.
The Havanese breed sheds little dog hair. However, there are some Havanese breeds with short hair.
This may cause some issues, unlike the long coat Havanese breed.
The short coat Havanese dog can affect people with allergies because it sheds more hair.
Therefore, it minimizes essential to consider the coat length when getting your Havanese dog.
Havanese Care and Grooming
Havanese dogs have long hair, which means they vacuum less after them.
However, you may need to dedicate some time to groom your dog.
Havanese breeds need you to brush their hair almost daily to remove mats and tangles.
The species has a long coat so it can carry various allergens.
It is essential to brush your dog after an exercise before they enter the house.
Also, you need to bathe your Havanese dog at least once a week.
Use conditioner and moisturizing shampoo during the bath.
You may need to trim the coat every 6 to 8 weeks if your dog has a puppy cut.
Also, you need to brush their teeth twice a week and trim their nails monthly as part of their maintenance routine.
How Do You Stop Dog Allergies?
While it is hard to stop or cure allergies completely, you can take various steps to help limit their effects.
Some of these steps include:
- Give your dog a regular Bath
- Brush your dog regularly
- Keep pets away from your bedroom
- Don’t let dogs sit on your furniture
- Wash your hands after touching your dog
- Keep your house clean
- Use wet supplies rather than dry cleaning products
- Use hot water and detergent to do laundry
- Vacuum your house regularly, at least once a week
- Use as an air purifier to minimize the concentration of allergens in the room
- Avoid or minimize the use of carpets as they provide a habitat for allergens
- Consider an allergy shot to help develop antibodies that minimize or stop the effects of allergies when you get exposure to allergens.
Conclusion
Many people love dogs but have to stay away from them because they will experience allergic reactions.
You can still fulfill essential your love for dogs and get a hypoallergenic pet.
While no dog breed is fully hypoallergenic, some fruits have low chances of triggering an allergic reaction.
The Havanese breed from Cuba is one breed to consider.